all-in-one, network printer/scanner/fax

[iMav]

I'm looking for an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax for my home office.

I need this device to be fully functional via the network (scanning and printing) from both OS X (leopard) and the nasty.

I do not need photo printing quality, but would prefer the ability to print in color on occassion (however, I would strongly consider B&W offerings as long as the other requisite funtionality is rock solid).

Anyone have a good recommendation that would meet my criteria?

[Kyocera]

You might want to put a price in here, last time I suggested something I got hammered because it was more that $500.
Prices of thses devices are all over the spectrum.

[underclocker]

Good primer thread, some model may have been updated since then --> http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=40260&

[bhurley]

Canon just came out with their PIXMA MX 850 multifunction machine that might be just the ticket -- I'm planning to get one. It's about $300.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/contr ... elid=16279

I'm using an HP Deskjet 6980 network printer right now (can run on WiFi or Ethernet) and while I have no complaints about the printer itself (it's not multifunction), the software is a mess. Every computer on my network except the Mac gets random error messages from the HP software, and it crashes frequently. Kind of surprising to me as I've never had trouble with other HP software. But I'm getting tired of HP and its overpackaged inks, bloated software, etc., and feel like I'd like to try Canon for a change.

[jdhurst]

<snip>
I need this device to be fully functional via the network (scanning and printing) from both OS X (leopard) and the nasty. <-----
<snip>

If you cannot make Windows work for you - too bad. Leave the rest of us who know what we are doing alone. ... JDH

[iMav]

Canon just came out with their PIXMA MX 850 multifunction machine that might be just the ticket -- I'm planning to get one. It's about $300

Excellent! Thanks for the info. I've posted this question in a good dozen different forums I participate in and never have I seen such a clear-cut consensus. The Canon PIXMA line has been recommended in EVERY FORUM that I asked this question in.

If you cannot make Windows work for you - too bad. Leave the rest of us who know what we are doing alone. ... JDH

I work in IT security. Windows is the primary reason I am gamefully employed.

(you need to lighten up a bit...it's just good-natured ribbing)

[BigWarpGuy]

<snip>
I need this device to be fully functional via the network (scanning and printing) from both OS X (leopard) and the nasty. <-----
<snip>

If you cannot make Windows work for you - too bad. Leave the rest of us who know what we are doing alone. ... JDH

I am looking for a three in one that works with eComStation. I also have Windows Vista on a notebook computer but I want one for my eCS PC.
http://www.ecomstation.com

I have a Lexmark three in one and works great. It was a special sale of about $49 from Target.

[Stargate199]

My personal printer is an HP Officejet 5610. Very fast printer and gets the job done (Print / scan/ copy/ fax), and can be had for around $100, but it does not network. If you need networking, look at the HP Officejet Pro L7580. Its got a lot of features and the ink can be had cheaply (although you may want to higher capacity ink cartridges since the off more ink per dollar.) Best of all you can print and scan over your network. I know this printer series doesn't get the best consumer reviews (gets good editor reviews though), but many of the complaints come with the software. You can download a more basic driver from HP's website.

[meh]

Brother MFC-7820N. It may not be very good for you if you do printing or copying in high volumes, but it has an auto document feeder (35 pages) as well as network scan, network fax, and network print. Brother makes its control center for both Windows and Mac, so you can scan over the network

[tylerwylie]

Being a linux junky I have to recommend anything from HP as far as not sucking goes.

[carbon_unit]

I have one of those Officejet 5610's and it will network if you get the right print server. I tried an HP EN3700 and an HP 175x and neither would work but then I tried a Linksys WPS54G and it worked perfectly but it is print only. It looks like Linksys also has a WPSM54G that will do fax and scan over the network also. I have not tried that one. I use it with Linux every day and it is solid so far. 1 Month and counting.

[elray]

I've bought HP multifunction units over the years primarily because the ink cartridges are usually sold competitively, whereas I tend to see Epsons, Canons, Lexmarks, Xerox, and even my favorite Oki and Sharp abandoned at the side of the road when the owner discovers cartridges cost more than the original printer purchase.

The 5610, in my opinion, is flimsy. I have two of them, and they neither print well, feed paper properly, or behave consistently as a USB device under Windows. NOT recommended at any price.

I have two 6310's. They have a more solid feel, haven't objected to USB or network connectivity under Windows, and treats both printing and ADF paper kindly.

The key to getting a 6310 is to find it on unadvertized end-of-month sale at Office Depot, when they tend to discount at least $100. We paid $120 AR for ours over a year ago. YMMV.

I cannot speak to Linux or OSX compatability.